Perhaps after reading this article you will. Dr. Melissa West demonstrates that even yoga has a place when it comes to supporting and empowering women. In one of her recent yoga episodes I was surprised, and moved, by how she brings to light the problem of violence against women during her yoga practice. In her video she tells moving stories of women empowering themselves through the practice of yoga. I can’t say there weren’t any empathy tears shed.

In the practice, she developed and adapted moves that replenish, maintain and encourage a feeling of self worth. Throughout, she asks participants to repeat a mantra: “I am brave, I am strong, I am worthy of love.” To offer support to those who need it, she switched out the pronouns: “You are brave, you are strong, you are worthy of love.”

While it can be easy to get lost in the depressing statistics and reports, it is important for us as a community of men and women to educate and provide support. Actions can speak volumes. Whether large or small, your actions bring meaning to the victims by simply acknowledging the issue. It can mean the difference between someone feeling hopeless and receiving that first step to empowerment. By acknowledging the positive actions we can take to overcome this malevolence we can better encourage victims to conquer their fears and believe in themselves. We all deserve love and we all deserve to live our lives without fear.

If you know of other ways people can contribute and/or bring to light this issue, please feel free to share!